Mt Kinabalu compared with Anapurna - difficulty

I am possibly going to climb Mt Kinabalu in a few month's time. I have done the Anapurna curcuit previously and found it difficult but rewarding and was wondering if anyone has done both Mt Kinabalu and the Anapurna curcuit and can compare the two as far as difficulty goes. I realise Anapurna is much longer, I just want to compare the difficulty of climbing.

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Posted byandyloo(Budding Member 13 posts) 9y
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Basically Annapurna and Mt. Kinabalu is 2 different path. I never been to Annapurna before. But according to Wikipedia, i believe that it is much more difficult than Mt. Kinabalu. Mt Kinabalu is about determination. You have it, you can make it... but i believe both are fun and rewarding as well... enjoy.

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Posted byHaadRinGuide(Respected Member 550 posts) 9y
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I've never done the Anapurna circuit but I've climbed Mt Kinabalu and there were quite a few fairly unfit people in our group and also an old woman but they all made it to the top. It still takes determination and effort to climb it, but it's probably not the hardest to climb as far as mountains go.

I had a bit of a headache with the altitude and I also met an Aussie dude who didn't make it to the top because of altitude sickness, so I think the altitude is the only real issue, but even then most people don't have a problem.

Thanks Emmett70 and andyloo. I still have plenty of time to train for this climb.

I'm still hoping to find someone who has done both Anapurna and Kinabalu but from your remarks I'm gaining confidence to "give it a go".

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Posted byofrd_trvlr(Budding Member 11 posts) 9y
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Done both. Different terrains. Altitude sickness hits in Kinabalu because of the the altitude you gain within 24 hours - you land at sea level - move to the base camp same night, start climbing up next day early morning, by late afternoon you are at 3100 mts - sleep at that alt for few hours and start walking again at 3 am - by 6 am you are at the peak, effectively you gain 4000 mts in 24 hours. You have less of this problem in AP circuit. KK is more like climbing steps - tough on your knees. AP is relatively easier on knees. Having said all that KK is not tough, take it easy, go slow and enjoy the scenery. Have fun!

Thanks for your helpful comments, ofrd_trvir. We are a group of people in our 60s. Most people would think that's quite old but we are all reasonably fit. Would you think it worthwhile just going up to Laban Rata and not doing the Peak the next morning if we were exhauted ?I have been to 4,000m and not suffered altitude sickness but we took three days to get there.

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Posted byofrd_trvlr(Budding Member 11 posts) 9y
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Very impressive Dinah! Sure you MUST go to KK. If you are too tired, you can choose not to go to peak next morning, that is a bit of climb and that too in dark. As I always say, walk , take it easy and enjoy the scenery..Best wishes.

PS: Pics are awesome! You clicked those? What equipment are you using? (I know it is still the skills that matter afterall)

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Posted bye7843(Budding Member 36 posts) 9y
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Never done Anpurna.I have tried both trails in KK Go Up - Mersilau Trail - Compare to Mersilau it is thougher, longer by few KM but worth the sceneryCome Down - Timpohon Trail - Shorter trailBoth trails tough on your knees, so walking stick becomes very helpful.

Go for the Peak ! Just pray that it is not raining, as you may not be able to see sunrise scenery but full of mist. My last trip to KK somewhere July/August it rains all the way from the begining, according to the guide it is raining season.Way to the peak is all rocky and slippery, climb in the dark with ropes only. You may book for 2 nights accommodation in Laban Rata, incase the 1st climb to the peak is not fruitful can try the next day. Also for a good rest.

After you have finished your climb, head to "Poring Hot Spring" located few KM away from the base.

Go slow, steady and enjoy. By the way get a guide, they are very motivating & helpful.

Thanks for the advice e7843. We are going with a tour group so will not be able to stay at Laban Rata for two nights but the tour includes Poring Hot Springs after the climb so that's good.

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Posted byandyloo(Budding Member 13 posts) 9y
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During my last trip to Mt. Kinabalu, there was a group of Japanese old folk doing the climb as well. they did make it to the top altough they cant make it to see the sun rise. but im quite proub of them. I believe with some determination. you can make it to the top as well..